Raising livestock plays havoc with ecosystems and demands huge amounts of water. Cow farts are a major source of methane, a highly effective planet-warming gas.
What if you could have the steak without the steer?
The Chile-based Not Company has enlisted artificial intelligence to analyze animal-based foods at the molecular level and choose plant structures that will yield a similar result. The software, named Giuseppe, also is learning what people think tastes good and feels “right” when we put it in our mouths.
The result is “Not Mayo,” made without eggs. It’s on the shelves of a major Chilean supermarket chain. Plant-based milk, cheese and yogurt also are in the works. Now the company has revealed that it’s talking with major US food makers about collaborations.